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My goal for Christmas this year is to shop as local, green and fun as possible. If we each spent $100 more at local businesses instead of chain stores, it would put an extra $3 million a year into our local economy. When you shop local, you are supporting someone's dream! How amazing is that?!?! Plus, there's nothing like the thrill of finding that perfect something for the folks you love.

I've compiled a list of some of my favorite places to shop and a couple of events I'll be checking out. Hop off of that beaten path and let's make a difference!

I'll start right here in my own backyard. Our tiny spot on this planet has two really killer places to check out in beautiful Downtown Pungo. Pungo Board House, aka PBH, located at 1789 Princess Anne Rd. - Virginia Beach, is loaded with nifty goods from, as clearly stated, BOARDS of any kind (see what they did there!?) to cozy hoodies and lots in between. As an added bonus, it always smells like summer in this rad shop.

Conveniently located next door to the Board House is The Tar Roof. This place doesn't fit any mold to me. There is a ton of amazing art, hand made pottery and jewelry. Right next to that, you might find some of the most delicious peanut butter you've ever tasted. In addition, they are an events venue and they offer fun make-and-take art classes. Seriously, just go there.

Not terribly far from Pungo is 3 Little Black Birds located in the heart of Great Bridge at 217 S. Battlefield Blvd. - Chesapeake. It just looks like a cool old house when you pull up, but there is so much more to this place than meets the eye. It's FULL of treasures and just seems to go on and on. A little tip for you: the treats on the table in the front room are for puppies. You can guess how I know that.

There are some other cool places in Great Bridge, but I know a few have closed or are about to. If you're over that way, just keep your eyes peeled for these other stops.

From Great Bridge, you can hop on the bypass and head out to Norfolk. One of my favorite spots is Mrs. Pinkadot. Even before my first visit, I just really loved the name. They are loaded with more great stuff than you can shake a stick at. Everything is super tidy and really well displayed.

Right next door is Attic Treasures. Again, chock-full of fun. Be prepared to spend some time in these two places.

Just to the right of Mrs. Pinkadot is Urban Castaways. This shop is beautiful and has a selection of some higher-end finds. Definitely worth a stop in.

Now we move on to the Colley Ave. area. Kitsch is located at 807 Shirley Ave. - Norfolk and is loaded with fun, funky handmade goods with a sprinkle of vintage thrown in. This is a smallish shop but it's for sure one of those "size doesn't matter" scenarios. This place has more fun per square inch than a slinky!

Bridget's is just down the block at 1911 Colley Ave. - Norfolk. This bright and wonderful shop has a different but equally stunning selection of unique gifts. Your problem will be leaving behind the "one for me" items you may discover you can't go on living without.

If you were lucky enough to catch the fall Crafted VA at O'Conners a few weeks ago, then you know you should not miss the holiday pop up they're hosting this Saturday, November 26th, at West Elm. My dad would say, "You can bet your sweet bippy I'll be there!"

I've never been to this event. Heck, I don't even know if they've ever even had it before, but I need to find out what it's all about, so again, I'll be there with sleigh bells on. It will be held on Saturday, December 10th at The Plot - 776 Granby St. - Norfolk from noon until 5pm.

If you have something super specific in mind or if you just want to see what else is out there in the wonderful world of vintage, hand made or uniquely inappropriate, visit Etsy. If you've not yet heard of this miracle website, you are most welcome. There are so many vendors here that are crafting custom made fun, it truly boggles the mind.

Lastly, I'll say a few world about thrift shopping. I'm a huge fan and we have some great locations around Hampton Roads, VA. My two best tips are shop on Tuesday and with zero expectations.

I know there are so many other great places out there, but these are just a few of my personal favorites. Drop me a note or add a comment if you think of something imperative that I've missed.

I'm not crazy and I have kids too, so I know there will be things we must buy elsewhere, but at least try this. Flip the product over and check for the "Made In USA" label.

I'm wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving and the most pink Black Friday ever!